Friday, April 15, 2011

Maracana to be renovated in time for Brazil 2014 World Cup

By Goal.com

Brazil's legendary stadium, which was built 61 years ago, will receive a big-money facelift to fall into line with Fifa rules that all stadia must be covered in three years time. Rio de Janeiro's iconic Maracana stadium will receive a big-money makeover in time for the 2014 World Cup which is to be held in Brazil. The Rio state body for the protection of historical and artistic buildings (Iphan) has granted permission for a new, larger covering to replace the original roofing of the 82,000 capacity stadium. Renovation is compulsory due to Fifa stating that all stadia holding 2014 World Cup matches must be fully covered. The famous Maracana was originally built 61 years ago, in time for the last time the South American nation held the finals in 1950. The news comes after Fifa president Sepp Blatter praised the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) for their work in preparation for the World Cup in 2014. "We have received some very positive reports everywhere, especially in construction, not only of the stadiums but also the airports and hotels in the different regions," the 75-year-old told reporters on a visit to El Salvador. The renovation is expected to be completed by December 2012, in time for the Confederations Cup in Brazil the following summer.